I have used many different brands of CF cards and I always lean back toward SanDisk. They are the granddaddy of Compact Flash cards. The Extreme Pro Line is some of the best CF Cards money can buy. There are less expensive cards on the market, but after zapping some footage on a cheap Dane-Elec CF card recently. I have switched over to SanDisk as the only brand I will use. I highly recommend getting a CF card with some kind of recovery software. We will announce the winner via Twitter July 9th, 2010. Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July!

The Crew over at JAG35 are giving away this killer little 7″ On-Board HDMI monitor. This is one of the most cost effective monitors on the market. An external monitor is one of the first accessories that I recommend for HDSLR’s. This is a very good solution for one of the most fundamental problems with Canon HDSLR’s. Here is a little info from the JAG35 website.
To win this cool monitor follow @JAG35 on Twitter and tweet the text below in quotes.
“Follow @JAG35 via @goforjared to win a 7″ HDMI on board monitor. Check it out on www.cinema5d.com/news”
Update ** We will announce the winner via Twitter Friday June 25th, 2010.
Jag35 Monitor Features:
Affordable External Monitor
7″ LCD Screen
Better control over critical focusing
Power Supply / Car Kit Included
Supports 1920X1080 Resolution (800 x 480 Native Resolution)** Update
Small and Compact design
Works with Canon 5DmkII, 7D or any HDMI Device
Works with both Pal or NTSC

The Variable ND Filter has actually been around for sometime. I think it is based on a double polarizing effect that either darkens or lightens depending on the rotation of the filters with each other. I do know that it works well to get your lens wide open and decrease your DOF. I would also call this a kit essential. This is always in my bag and I would highly recommend having some kind of ND filtration with you at all times. A variable ND filter can also work well for front of the lens “Iris Pulls”. Light Craft Workshop sells the 77mm Fader ND MK II for $125 US on their site. The 82mm Version Retails for $192.
*To Get this 82mm LCW Fader ND MK II all you have to do is follow @LightCraftWork on twitter on post the text in quotes below. They asked me to wait for this promotion. I just couldn’t. Sometimes it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission. Winner will be announced May, 28th 2010 via Twitter.
“Follow @LightCraftWork & @goforjared to win a Light Craft Workshop 82mm Fader ND MK II Variable ND Filter. www.cinema5d.com/news”

Terry Wilson interviews Philip Bloom for the “BBC Season ‘Superpower’ exploring the power of the internet”. Philip explains how it all started with his blog. He also uses Twitter and other Social networking sites to find work and find others work. In this hostile job environment, this could be another tool to help us all pay the bills.